Venus Williams of the U.S. reacts to a point during her first round match against Vesna Dolonts of Russia at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, August 29, 2011. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz

Venus Williamspulled out of the U.S Open Wednesday and shocked the tennis community by revealing she’d been diagnosed with a rare autoimmue disease called Sjogren’s syndrome. Symptoms of the condition include swelling, numbness and fatigue.

Just one day after her announcement, Venus Williams stopped by ABC’s Good Morning America to discuss her health with Elizabeth Vargas.

She told GMA that she was diagnosed a few weeks ago, but had been experiencing symptoms for quite some time. Venus Williams, 31, said the average Sjoren’s syndrome patient can experience symptoms up to six and a half years before receiving a diagnosis.

Judging by Venus Williams’ grand slams record, her condition would have to be fairly recent as she claimed her fifth Wimbledon title in 2008. She and her sister, Serena Williams, continue to dominate grand slam doubles winning six grand slam doubles titles in since 2008.

Competing with a partner is one thing, but having enough stamina to be effective in the individual game is another. Currently, there is no cure for Sjogren’s sydrome.

“I’m not sure what my journey will be, but I feel really positive about getting back on the court and getting to at least get back to normal,” Venus Williams told ABC’s Good Morning America. “My normal might not be everyone else’s normal, but I feel like now I can get better.”

Venus Williams told Vargas that she decided to drop out of the tournament after a tough practice in which she struggled to lift her arms.

Venus and Serena Williams have brought tremendous magic to women’s tennis much in the same way Billie Jean King, Chris Evert and Steffi Graff have in the past.

I grew up watching the Williams sisters and they have been a personal inspiration for me. So as much as it pains me to ask this, the question must be brought to the table. With her career on the back nine and facing an incurable disease where she is unable to perform her best, is it time for Venus Williams to retire?